Observations on Activity Patterns, Population and Den Characteristics of The Water Rat Hydromys chrysogaster Along Badger Creek, Victoria.

1995 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
J.L. Gardner ◽  
M. Serena
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Fish Farms ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Irrigation Channels ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Hydromys Chrysogaster

The Water Rat Hydromys chrysogaster is Australia's largest amphibious rodent, occupying freshwater rivers, lakes, and coastal and estuarine habitats throughout the continent (Watts and Aslin 1981). Little is known of the species' social organisation or use of space in the wild although Harris (1978) suggested that adults might be intrasexually aggressive. The home ranges of all sex and age classes overlap to some extent but home ranges of adults of the same sex appear to overlap less (Harris 1978). Adult males occupy the largest home ranges which overlap those of one or more females. In captivity individuals kept in groups form hierarchies in which only the dominant females usually breed successfully (Olsen 1982). Fighting occurs primarily among males, with the highest incidence of injuries observed at the beginning of the main September-March breeding season (Olsen 1980, 1982). The results of trapping studies indicate that population density may vary considerably, with the greatest numbers of animals typically occupying man-modified habitats such as irrigation channels or fish farms (McNally 1960, Watts and Aslin 1981, Smales 1984). Aggressive behaviour appears to be related to pelage colour (phenotype) and population density; the higher the density the greater the number of injured individuals (Olsen 1980).

Feral Cats (Felis Catus L.) On New Zealand Farmland. Ii. Seasonal Activity.

1992 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 707 ◽  
Author(s):  
NPE Langham
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Social Behaviour ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Felis Catus ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Seasonal Activity ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Feral Cats ◽  
Resident Population

The activity patterns of a resident population of 15 feral cats (Felis catus L.) on New Zealand farmland were investigated from March 1984 until February 1987 by radiotelemetry. Females could be divided into two separate groups: (1) those denning in barns and (2) those denning in the swamp and willows. Females denning in barns were mainly nocturnal except in spring and summer when rearing kittens. Barn cats moved significantly further between dusk and dawn, except in autumn-winter, than those denning in swamp and willows which were active over 24 h. When not breeding, related females occupied the same barn. In both groups, the home range of female relatives overlapped. Males ranged over all habitats, and dominant adult males moved significantly further and had larger home ranges than other males in all seasons, except in summer when they rested, avoiding hot summer days. Only adult males were active during the day in spring and autumn-winter. The importance of a Zeitgeber in synchronising cat activity with that of the prey is examined. The significance of female den site is discussed in relation to proximity of food, predators, social behaviour and male defence.

scholarly journals Reproductive Behaviors of Wild Chinese Pangolin (Manis Pentadactyla): A Case Study Based on Long-Term Monitoring

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Ching-Min Sun ◽  
Kurtis Jai-Chyi Pei ◽  
Li-Yue Wu
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Separation ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Reproductive Behaviors ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Manis Pentadactyla ◽  
History Of ◽  
Almost All

Abstract Observations of Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) in the wild are extremely rare and challenging because of their nocturnal and cryptic activity patterns and low population density. The present article reported the first field observation in eastern Taiwan, from October 4, 2012 to June 16, 2016, on the reproductive behavior of the Chinese pangolin based on the monitoring of a female (LF28) using radiotelemetry and camera traps. During this period, LF28 aged from 1 to 4.5-years old and gave two single-births, both took place in early December, at 3 and 4 years old, respectively. We recorded the entire 157 days of the first nursing period from parturition to maternal separation. For the second infant, the gestation period was estimated to be around 150 days based on the evidence that the pregnancy started in early Jul. 2015 and the offspring was born on Dec. 9, 2015. During the entire nursing period, LF28 frequently moved the offspring from one nursing burrow to another staying various durations ranging from 1 day to more than 35 days, and almost all (= 15/16) of these burrows were located in the core (MCP75) of LF28’s home range. Started from the month of parturition and lasting throughout the whole nursing period, different adult males constantly visiting the nursing burrows were recorded. Mating behavior was recorded once outside the burrow in March, which provided evidence of the occurrence of post-partum estrus in this species. Delay implantation was proposed based on the observation of a several months lag between copulation and the estimated pregnancy initiation date. The present study demonstrated the advantage of using remote technologies to learn the life history of resting fossorial species.

Seasonal patterns of activity and body mass in the plains vizcacha, Lagostomus maximus (family Chinchillidae)

1993 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 1041-1045 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyn C. Branch
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Feeding Time ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Costs Of Reproduction ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Male Adult ◽  
Lagostomus Maximus

Activity patterns of adult male, adult female, and immature plains vizcacha (Lagostomus maximus) were compared throughout the year, and seasonal changes in body mass were documented for adults. All sex–age classes spent more time feeding in winter and less time at the den site (vizcachera) than in other seasons. The pattern was reversed for summer. Seasonal changes in activity budgets for males were associated with an increase in male–male conflicts and territorial displays at the vizcachera. Body mass of males declined in summer, when they were competing for access to areas used by females, and reached a minimum during the fall breeding season. Females spent less time foraging and more time at the den site after parturition in spring. Body mass of females did not change significantly with season. Throughout the year, activity patterns were similar for females and immatures. During all seasons, adult males spent less time foraging and more time at the vizcachera than other sex–age classes did. From a variety of observations, I suggest that the costs of reproduction, including mass loss, shorter feeding time, and short tenure in a social group, are high for male vizcachas.

scholarly journals Conservation introduction of the threatened Apennine chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata: post-release dispersal differs between wild-caught and captive founders

Oryx ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Bocci ◽  
S. Menapace ◽  
S. Alemanno ◽  
S. Lovari
Keyword(s):  
Global Positioning System ◽  
Release Site ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Central Apennines ◽  
Rupicapra Pyrenaica ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
Movement Frequency ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Selection Of

AbstractSixteen Apennine chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata (10 females, 6 males) were released into a protected area, the Sibillini Mountains National Park, Central Apennines, Italy, and monitored using global positioning system radio tags during 2008–2010. Founders caught in the wild (n = 8) and those reared in large enclosures (n = 8) differed in movement frequency (inter-fix distance per hour) and maximum distance covered (from the release site) in the first 5 months after release: both were significantly greater in wild individuals, males moved significantly more than females, wild individuals shifted their home ranges significantly more often than captive ones, and no differences were observed between the sexes or age classes. A mixed strategy of selection of wild and captive founders has proven successful in preventing large movements in the initial stages of release yet still providing sufficient opportunity to avoid inbreeding depression.

scholarly journals Ovulation, pregnancy, placentation and husbandry in the African elephant ( Loxodonta africana )

2006 ◽  
Vol 361 (1469) ◽  
pp. 821-834 ◽  
Author(s):  
W.R Allen
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Blood Vessel ◽  
Ferric Iron ◽  
Loxodonta Africana ◽  
African Elephant ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild

The African elephant reproduces so efficiently in the wild that overpopulation is now a serious problem in some game parks in Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. The female reaches puberty between 10 and 12 years of age in the wild and, when in captivity, shows oestrous cycles of 14–15 weeks duration. She readily conceives a singleton in the wild yet her uterus has the capacity for twins. She shows a gestation length of 22 months and, in the wild, shows a population density and feed dependent intercalving interval of 4–8 years. The trophoblast erodes the lumenal epithelium of the endometrium and stimulates upgrowths of blood vessel-containing stromal villi, which develop eventually into the broad, tightly folded lamellae of the zonary, endotheliochorial placenta. Significant quantities of leaked maternal erythrocytes and ferric iron are phagocytosed by specialized trophoblast cells in the haemophagous zones at the lateral edges of the placental band. Although the placenta itself is endocrinologically inert, the foetal gonads, which enlarge greatly during the second half of pregnancy can synthesize 5α-dihydryoprogesterone and other 5α pregnane derivatives from cholesterol and pregnenolone. These products may synergize with progestagens secreted by the 2–8 large corpora lutea which are always present in the maternal ovaries throughout gestation to maintain the pregnancy state.

Redefining the activity pattern of the honey possum (Tarsipes rostratus).

2001 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 169 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Arrese ◽  
PB Runham
Keyword(s):  
Activity Pattern ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Diurnal Activity ◽  
Numerous Species ◽  
Daytime Activity ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Australian Marsupial ◽  
Diurnal Species ◽  
Honey Possum

ANIMALS are commonly separated into two major categories based on their activity patterns: diurnal and nocturnal. However, evidence of numerous species exhibiting diverse periods of activity, including arhythmic and crepuscular habits, broadens the description. The honey possum (Tarsipes rostratus), a small West-Australian marsupial feeding exclusively on nectar and pollen, has been described as strongly nocturnal (Wooller et al. 1981; Russell and Renfree 1989). However, infrequent daytime activity in captivity (Russell 1986) and in the wild under cold, cloudy conditions, has been reported (Hopper and Burbidge 1982; du Plessis and du Plessis 1995). During trapping exercises in the region of Jurien Bay (250 km north of Perth, Western Australia), several animals were observed foraging after sunrise and before sunset, with occasional diurnal activity. To date, no study has investigated directly the activity periods of the species. Furthermore, studies of the visual capabilities of T. rostratus revealed that its retinal organisation is not compatible with a nocturnal lifestyle, but presents features comparable to those found in diurnal species (Arrese 2002; Arrese et al. 2002). Such discrepancies warranted the monitoring of activity periods (rhythmicity) of T. rostratus in its natural environment, a study reported here. We discuss our results in the context of the visual ecology of the species.

Social Dispersion and Lekking in Uganda Kob

Behaviour ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 120 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 177-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Balmford
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
High Population ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
High Population Density ◽  
Alternative Models ◽  
The Social

AbstractLek-breeding in Uganda kob was associated with extremely high population density (c. 140 animals/km2). Kob were typically found in unstable aggregations of more than one hundred animals, including several adult males. Females occupied unusually large, overlapping home ranges, but reasons for such widespread movements were unclear. The social dispersion of Uganda kob was therefore similar to that of other lekking ungulates, and confirms predictions of several recent hypotheses of lek evolution. However, resolution of alternative models is nevertheless difficult, since in practice these make very few exclusive predictions.

scholarly journals Evaluación de la morfometría de pellets como método de categorización de sexos y edades en venado cola blanca (Odocoileus virginianus mexicanus) en Puebla, México.

2009 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela A. Camargo–Sanabria ◽  
Salvador Mandujano
Keyword(s):  
Odocoileus Virginianus ◽  
The Body ◽  
Fuzzy Classification ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Sex Structure ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Unreliable Method ◽  
Para Determinar ◽  
Age And Sex

Resumen: Tanto desde una perspectiva ecológica como de manejo, es importante conocer la proporción de sexos y la estructura de edades de las poblaciones de venado cola blanca (Odocoileus virginianus). Sin embargo, en aquellos lugares donde no es posible ver directamente a los animales en vida libre, no es sencillo determinar su edad y sexo por lo que se han empleado métodos indirectos como el análisis morfométrico de los pellets. Con el fin de determinar si la variación entre pellets de individuos de diferentes edades y sexo permite su correcta categorización, se colectaron los grupos fecales de individuos conocidos en cautiverio en la UMA-Zoológico Flor del Bosque, Puebla. Se obtuvieron 180 muestras de las cuales 18 fueron de crías (< 1 año), 78 de juveniles (2-3 años) y 84 de adultos (> 3 años). Se comparó el promedio de todas las variables morfométricas entre grupos fecales de un mismo individuo y entre individuos de la misma clase de edad y sexo. Nuestros resultados sugieren que dada la alta variación presentada en las medidas morfométricas de los pellets de un mismo individuo en una misma época y entre épocas del año, y la baja variación mostrada entre grupos fecales de individuos de diferentes clases de edad y sexo, el análisis morfométrico de pellets es una metodología poco confiable para determinar la estructura de edad y sexo de una población de O. v. mexicanus. En consecuencia, la técnica de clasificación fuzzy no logra una categorización adecuada de la población en estudio pues sólo separa a los machos adultos de 5 y 6 años, mientras que los machos de menor edad y juveniles, así como hembras adultas y juveniles no son discriminados en clases separadas. Se sugiere realizar análisis similares a este con otras subespecies de venado que no exhiban un fuerte dimorfismo sexual como aquellas distribuidas hacia el centro y sur de México. Palabras clave: estructura de edades, método indirecto, pellets, técnica fuzzy, Odocoileus  virginianus.Abstract: Both from an ecological perspective as management, it is important to know the sex ratio and age structure of populations of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). However, in places where you can not directly see the animals in the wild is not easy to determine their age and sex so indirect methods have been used as a morphometric analysis of the pellets. To determine whether the variation between pellets of individuals of different age and sex allows proper categorization, fecal groups were collected from known individuals in captivity in the Zoo UMA-Flor del Bosque, Puebla. We obtained 180 samples of which 18 were young (<1 year), 78 juveniles (2-3 years) and 84 adults (> 3 years). We compared the average for all morphometric variables between groups fecal same individual and between individuals of the same age class and sex. Our results suggest that given the high variation shown in the body measures of the pellets from the same individual in the same season and between seasons, and low fecal variation shown between groups of individuals of different age classes and sex, analysis morphometry of pellets is an unreliable method to determine the age and sex structure of a population of O. v. mexicanus. Consequently, the fuzzy classification technique does not achieve appropriate categorization of the study population because only separates adult males of 5 and 6 years, while younger males and juveniles and adult females and juveniles are not discriminated against in separate classes. Similar analysis suggested this to other subspecies of deer that do not exhibit strong sexual dimorphism as those distributed to the central and southern Mexico.Key words: Structure of ages, indirect method, pellets, technology fuzzy, Odocoileus  virginianus.

Potential for social interaction in a natural population of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster)

1990 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 391-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Betty McGuire ◽  
Theresa Pizzuto ◽  
Lowell L. Getz
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
Microtus Ochrogaster ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Prairie Voles ◽  
Resident Group

Many hypotheses on the role of social behavior in population regulation of microtine rodents assume that social interactions are more frequent at high density than at low density. We evaluated this assumption by measuring potential for social contact in a population of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Our livetrapping regime monitored presence of resident and nonresident animals at the periphery of home ranges of social groups. Resident adults and young of both sexes were captured at home range boundaries. Potential for social interaction with nonresidents was greater at the periphery of home ranges than at nests. Intruders tended to be male adults from neighboring social groups. Presence of adult males in the resident group played an important role in deterring visits by nonresident males. During the spring, summer, and autumn reproductive period, number of captures of nonresident males, but not females, showed a strong positive relationship with population density. Despite relatively high densities during the winter nonreproductive period, there were few captures of residents and nonresidents at the periphery of home ranges. We conclude that the relationship between potential for social interaction and population density varied as a function of sex and season.

Behavioural context and possible function of scent marking by cheek rubbing in the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)

1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (7) ◽  
pp. 1650-1653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Ferron ◽  
Jean-Pierre Ouellet
Keyword(s):  
Relative Frequency ◽  
Scent Marking ◽  
Contextual Analysis ◽  
Tamiasciurus Hudsonicus ◽  
Behaviour Pattern ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Resting Sites ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Marking Behaviour

A contextual analysis of scent marking by cheek rubbing in wild red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), based on the study of behavioural time budgets and sequences, is presented. Scent-marking rates do not differ significantly between adult males and females. Comparison of the relative frequency of occurrence of each behaviour pattern in a scent-marking context with the relative frequency of these patterns in all other contexts reveals that locomotion, alertness, grooming, food carrying, and gnawing have a higher probability of occurrence when there is cheek rubbing. These results concur with earlier findings in captivity. Contextual analysis in the wild clearly indicates low association of cheek rubbing with social context and greater use of this behaviour at grooming and resting sites and along the path used by the marking animal. This suggests that cheek rubbing is mainly self-oriented to maintain the animal's familiarity with its home range. This scent-marking behaviour may also be used to advertise occupancy of a given territory to conspecifics.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document